It is important to know the stage of a cancer in order to plan treatment.
STAGES OF PENILE CANCER
Stage 0
In stage 0, abnormal cells are found on the surface of the skin of the penis. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.
Stage I
In stage I, cancer has formed and spread to connective tissue just under the skin of the penis.
Stage II
In stage II, cancer has spread to:
- connective tissue just under the skin of the penis and to one lymph node in the groin. or
- erectile tissue (spongy tissue that fills with blood to make an erection) and may have spread to one lymph node in the groin.
Stage III
In stage III, cancer has spread to:
- connective tissue or erectile tissue of the penis and to more than one lymph node on one or both sides of the groin; or
- the urethra or prostate, and may have spread to one or more lymph nodes on one or both sides of the groin.
Stage IV
In stage IV, cancer has spread:
- to tissues near the penis and may have spread to lymph nodes in the groin or pelvis; or
- anywhere in or near the penis and to one or more lymph nodes deep in the pelvis or groin; or
to distant parts of the body.
Reference:
National Cancer Institute, USA.
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